Monday, August 30, 2004
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Friday, August 27, 2004
Keys Handed Over
Militants Turn Over Keys to Najaf Shrine
By ABDUL HUSSEIN AL-OBEIDI (abridged)
Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq (AP) -- Thousands of pilgrims streamed into the Imam Ali Shrine on Friday, and militants who had been holed up in the site left it, handing the keys to Shiite religious authorities after Iraq's top Shiite cleric brokered a peace deal to end three weeks of fighting in this holy city.
Dozens of militants piled Kalashnikov rifles in front of the offices of their leader, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Thousands of al-Sadr's militiamen were still believed to be armed in the city, though most were staying off the streets. In one narrow alley, some militiamen could be seen pushing carts full of machine-guns and rocket launchers.
Iraqi forces took control of the Old City, which al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia had used as their stronghold during the fierce fighting with U.S.-Iraqi forces.
Dozens of Iraqi police and national guardsmen deployed around the compound of the walled, golden-domed shrine in the Old City Friday afternoon - but did not enter. Some kissed the compound's gates, others burst into tears. Some residents of the devastated Old City neighborhood waved to them and yelled out, "Welcome. Welcome."
U.S. forces appeared to have maintained their positions in the Old City.
After a day of prayers and celebrations at the shrine - one of Shia Islam's holiest sites - civilians and fighters left, and al-Sadr's followers handed over the keys to the site to religious authorities loyal to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the esteemed cleric who secured the peace deal.
"Now the holy shrine compound has been evacuated and its keys have been handed over to the religious authority," al-Sistani aide Hamed al-Khafaf told Al-Arabiya television.
The handover the keys was a symbolic, yet crucial, step in ending the bloody crisis that has plagued this city since Aug. 5, killing hundreds of Iraqis and nine U.S. troops, ravaging parts of the Old City and threatening the control of Iraq's interim government.
Al-Sadr ordered his fighters to lay down their arms and leave Najaf and neighboring Kufa after agreeing to the peace deal in a face-to-face meeting the night before with al-Sistani.
"To all my brothers in Mahdi Army ... you should leave Kufa and Najaf without your weapons, along with the peaceful masses," al-Sadr said in a statement broadcast over the shrine's loudspeakers.
Iraq's interim government also accepted the deal, and U.S. forces ordered their troops to cease fire. Police briefly exchanged fire with militants in one part of town Friday, and some U.S. troops were still receiving occasional sniper fire. Nevertheless, most of the city was calm.
The agreement leaves the Mahdi Army intact and al-Sadr free, despite U.S. vows in the past to destroy the militia and arrest its leader. Since the transfer of sovereignty June 28, the Iraqi interim government has said it has no intention of arresting al-Sadr, but wants him to turn his militia into a political party.
Al-Sistani's highly publicized, 11th-hour peace mission also boosts his already high prestige in Iraq and cloaks him in a statesman's mantle, showing that only he could force an accord between two sides that loathe each other.
In the morning, thousands of Shiites marched through Najaf to visit the shrine, one of Shia Islam's holiest, which was at the center of the fighting since Aug. 5. Many kissed its doors as they entered, chanting "Thanks to God!"
U.S. soldiers looked on as people passed in the streets, heading to the shrine. Army 1st Lt. Chris Kent said the peace agreement "appears to be a final resolution. That's what it looks like right now."
Inside, the crowds mingled with Mahdi Army fighters and performed noon prayers. Afterwards, civilians and militiamen streamed out, with some militants chanting "Muqtada, Muqtada."
By the afternoon, the shrine appeared empty, clear of the visitors and the militants.
Police later set up roadblocks on the edge of the Old City, preventing people from entering and searching throngs of people leaving the shrine. Most of those leaving carried no weapons, but police detained four militants carrying grenades.
The U.S. military said it was continuing to monitor the situation and maintain "a supportive posture," according to a statement.
The five-point peace plan put forward by al-Sistani calls for Najaf and Kufa to be declared weapons-free cities, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Najaf, for police to be in charge of security, for the government to compensate those harmed by the fighting, and for a census to be taken to prepare for elections expected in the country by January.
There was no immediate word if the U.S. military would accept the provisions on the agreement calling on its forces to leave Najaf, though military leaders have said they were fighting there only at the behest of the government.
© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By ABDUL HUSSEIN AL-OBEIDI (abridged)
Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq (AP) -- Thousands of pilgrims streamed into the Imam Ali Shrine on Friday, and militants who had been holed up in the site left it, handing the keys to Shiite religious authorities after Iraq's top Shiite cleric brokered a peace deal to end three weeks of fighting in this holy city.
Dozens of militants piled Kalashnikov rifles in front of the offices of their leader, radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Thousands of al-Sadr's militiamen were still believed to be armed in the city, though most were staying off the streets. In one narrow alley, some militiamen could be seen pushing carts full of machine-guns and rocket launchers.
Iraqi forces took control of the Old City, which al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia had used as their stronghold during the fierce fighting with U.S.-Iraqi forces.
Dozens of Iraqi police and national guardsmen deployed around the compound of the walled, golden-domed shrine in the Old City Friday afternoon - but did not enter. Some kissed the compound's gates, others burst into tears. Some residents of the devastated Old City neighborhood waved to them and yelled out, "Welcome. Welcome."
U.S. forces appeared to have maintained their positions in the Old City.
After a day of prayers and celebrations at the shrine - one of Shia Islam's holiest sites - civilians and fighters left, and al-Sadr's followers handed over the keys to the site to religious authorities loyal to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the esteemed cleric who secured the peace deal.
"Now the holy shrine compound has been evacuated and its keys have been handed over to the religious authority," al-Sistani aide Hamed al-Khafaf told Al-Arabiya television.
The handover the keys was a symbolic, yet crucial, step in ending the bloody crisis that has plagued this city since Aug. 5, killing hundreds of Iraqis and nine U.S. troops, ravaging parts of the Old City and threatening the control of Iraq's interim government.
Al-Sadr ordered his fighters to lay down their arms and leave Najaf and neighboring Kufa after agreeing to the peace deal in a face-to-face meeting the night before with al-Sistani.
"To all my brothers in Mahdi Army ... you should leave Kufa and Najaf without your weapons, along with the peaceful masses," al-Sadr said in a statement broadcast over the shrine's loudspeakers.
Iraq's interim government also accepted the deal, and U.S. forces ordered their troops to cease fire. Police briefly exchanged fire with militants in one part of town Friday, and some U.S. troops were still receiving occasional sniper fire. Nevertheless, most of the city was calm.
The agreement leaves the Mahdi Army intact and al-Sadr free, despite U.S. vows in the past to destroy the militia and arrest its leader. Since the transfer of sovereignty June 28, the Iraqi interim government has said it has no intention of arresting al-Sadr, but wants him to turn his militia into a political party.
Al-Sistani's highly publicized, 11th-hour peace mission also boosts his already high prestige in Iraq and cloaks him in a statesman's mantle, showing that only he could force an accord between two sides that loathe each other.
In the morning, thousands of Shiites marched through Najaf to visit the shrine, one of Shia Islam's holiest, which was at the center of the fighting since Aug. 5. Many kissed its doors as they entered, chanting "Thanks to God!"
U.S. soldiers looked on as people passed in the streets, heading to the shrine. Army 1st Lt. Chris Kent said the peace agreement "appears to be a final resolution. That's what it looks like right now."
Inside, the crowds mingled with Mahdi Army fighters and performed noon prayers. Afterwards, civilians and militiamen streamed out, with some militants chanting "Muqtada, Muqtada."
By the afternoon, the shrine appeared empty, clear of the visitors and the militants.
Police later set up roadblocks on the edge of the Old City, preventing people from entering and searching throngs of people leaving the shrine. Most of those leaving carried no weapons, but police detained four militants carrying grenades.
The U.S. military said it was continuing to monitor the situation and maintain "a supportive posture," according to a statement.
The five-point peace plan put forward by al-Sistani calls for Najaf and Kufa to be declared weapons-free cities, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Najaf, for police to be in charge of security, for the government to compensate those harmed by the fighting, and for a census to be taken to prepare for elections expected in the country by January.
There was no immediate word if the U.S. military would accept the provisions on the agreement calling on its forces to leave Najaf, though military leaders have said they were fighting there only at the behest of the government.
© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Open House
Yesterday I was at school from about 7am until about 8:30pm. Last night was our open house. I caught up on some work after school rather than going all the way home and back for the open house. I met about 3 or four sets or singleton parents for each class, some a few more, some a few less. I had more come when I taught mostly freshmen. I think it was positive. My presentations seemed about the right length and saying the right things - we only have 7 minutes with each group so it goes fast.
That's all I have time to write now; I should have left for work ten minutes ago. But, I figured I was there so much yesterday ten minutes won't hurt that much. Now if I were getting there when the bells were ringing that's another story. :)
That's all I have time to write now; I should have left for work ten minutes ago. But, I figured I was there so much yesterday ten minutes won't hurt that much. Now if I were getting there when the bells were ringing that's another story. :)
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Woohoo!
Aide: Al-Sistani Brokers Najaf Peace Deal
By ABDUL HUSSEIN AL-OBEIDI
Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq (AP) -- Rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr agreed Thursday to a peace deal presented by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini al-Sistani to end three weeks of fighting in the holy city of Najaf, according to a top aide to al-Sistani.
Al-Sistani, the most influential cleric among Iraq's Shiite majority, reached the deal in direct talks with al-Sadr in the evening, only hours after making a dramatic return to Najaf.
The five-point plan called for Najaf and Kufa to be declared weapons-free cities, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Najaf, for police to be in charge of security, for the government to compensate those harmed by the fighting and for a census to be taken to prepare for elections expected in the country by January.
"Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr agreed to the initiative of his eminence al-Sistani," Hamed al-Khafaf told reporters at a news conference outside the house where al-Sistani was staying here. "You will hear good news soon from the government and Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr."
"It's the same initiative that we had proposed ... almost the same initiative has been agreed upon," al-Khafaf said.
Following the announcement, the Iraqi interim government called an emergency news conference in Baghdad to discuss Najaf.
Al-Sistani, who had been abroad in London for medical treatment during much of the fighting, returned Thursday with a new plan to end the violence.
The fighting, which has spread to other Shiite communities throughout Iraq, has killed scores of civilians, nearly paralyzed the city and caused the biggest crisis yet for the new government of interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
A long-threatened government raid on the holy Imam Ali Shrine here, where the militants have sought refuge, appeared to grow increasingly likely in recent days as peace initiatives broke down and the militants refused to honor a promise to withdraw.
But al-Sistani's return, and his apparent determination to end the bloodshed in his city, brought new hope for a peaceful resolution.
"There will be a mechanism that will preserve the dignity of everyone in getting out of the holy shrine, and you'll see this in the coming hours," al-Khafaf told Al-Jazeera television.
The fighting here continued up until al-Sistani's arrival Thursday afternoon, when the government and rebels separately agreed to a 24-hour cease fire to give peace efforts a chance.
More than 90 people were killed in the 24 hours before al-Sistani's arrival, according to health officials, including 27 people killed when mortars hit the main mosque in nearby Kufa, where thousands had gathered in preparation to march to Najaf in support of al-Sistani.
The U.S. military and Iraqi government have backed al-Sistani's peace mission, but they have not said whether they would agree to his proposal. The government has long demanded that al-Sadr disband his Mahdi Army militia and join the country's political process, a condition al-Sadr has refused to agree to.
Al-Sadr has agreed to one other peace deal that fell apart and later said he would pull his followers from the shrine, but the militants remained and the fighting has continued.
But all sides appear to be hoping the immense authority of al-Sistani can keep a deal together. The 75-year-old al-Sistani, who has long refused to intervene directly in the standoff between al-Sadr and the United States, has much wider support among Iraq's Shiites than al-Sadr, a much younger and lower-ranking cleric.
Al-Sistani arrived here in a 30-vehicle convoy that drove in from Basra, cheered by thousands of supporters in towns along the way. Heeding al-Sistani's calls, thousands more came from their hometowns to Najaf and gathered on its outskirts.
Late Thursday, Al-Sistani asked the government to allow them in to visit the sealed-off shrine compound provided they leave again by 10 a.m. Friday, al-Khafaf said.
© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By ABDUL HUSSEIN AL-OBEIDI
Associated Press Writer
NAJAF, Iraq (AP) -- Rebel cleric Muqtada al-Sadr agreed Thursday to a peace deal presented by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Husseini al-Sistani to end three weeks of fighting in the holy city of Najaf, according to a top aide to al-Sistani.
Al-Sistani, the most influential cleric among Iraq's Shiite majority, reached the deal in direct talks with al-Sadr in the evening, only hours after making a dramatic return to Najaf.
The five-point plan called for Najaf and Kufa to be declared weapons-free cities, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Najaf, for police to be in charge of security, for the government to compensate those harmed by the fighting and for a census to be taken to prepare for elections expected in the country by January.
"Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr agreed to the initiative of his eminence al-Sistani," Hamed al-Khafaf told reporters at a news conference outside the house where al-Sistani was staying here. "You will hear good news soon from the government and Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr."
"It's the same initiative that we had proposed ... almost the same initiative has been agreed upon," al-Khafaf said.
Following the announcement, the Iraqi interim government called an emergency news conference in Baghdad to discuss Najaf.
Al-Sistani, who had been abroad in London for medical treatment during much of the fighting, returned Thursday with a new plan to end the violence.
The fighting, which has spread to other Shiite communities throughout Iraq, has killed scores of civilians, nearly paralyzed the city and caused the biggest crisis yet for the new government of interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
A long-threatened government raid on the holy Imam Ali Shrine here, where the militants have sought refuge, appeared to grow increasingly likely in recent days as peace initiatives broke down and the militants refused to honor a promise to withdraw.
But al-Sistani's return, and his apparent determination to end the bloodshed in his city, brought new hope for a peaceful resolution.
"There will be a mechanism that will preserve the dignity of everyone in getting out of the holy shrine, and you'll see this in the coming hours," al-Khafaf told Al-Jazeera television.
The fighting here continued up until al-Sistani's arrival Thursday afternoon, when the government and rebels separately agreed to a 24-hour cease fire to give peace efforts a chance.
More than 90 people were killed in the 24 hours before al-Sistani's arrival, according to health officials, including 27 people killed when mortars hit the main mosque in nearby Kufa, where thousands had gathered in preparation to march to Najaf in support of al-Sistani.
The U.S. military and Iraqi government have backed al-Sistani's peace mission, but they have not said whether they would agree to his proposal. The government has long demanded that al-Sadr disband his Mahdi Army militia and join the country's political process, a condition al-Sadr has refused to agree to.
Al-Sadr has agreed to one other peace deal that fell apart and later said he would pull his followers from the shrine, but the militants remained and the fighting has continued.
But all sides appear to be hoping the immense authority of al-Sistani can keep a deal together. The 75-year-old al-Sistani, who has long refused to intervene directly in the standoff between al-Sadr and the United States, has much wider support among Iraq's Shiites than al-Sadr, a much younger and lower-ranking cleric.
Al-Sistani arrived here in a 30-vehicle convoy that drove in from Basra, cheered by thousands of supporters in towns along the way. Heeding al-Sistani's calls, thousands more came from their hometowns to Najaf and gathered on its outskirts.
Late Thursday, Al-Sistani asked the government to allow them in to visit the sealed-off shrine compound provided they leave again by 10 a.m. Friday, al-Khafaf said.
© 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Al-Sistani's return and call for march causes for hope
Al-Sistani returns to Iraq
Wednesday 25 August 2004, 16:18 Makka Time, 13:18 GMT
Iraq's most influential Shia cleric, Grand Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani, is in the southern city of Basra and will head to Najaf soon to try to resolve the crisis there, an aide says.
Al-Sistani's return comes as US and Iraqi forces tightened their siege of Najaf's Imam Ali mosque, where supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr are holed up.
"He has entered Iraq through Basra. He will head to Najaf tomorrow," Hamid al-Khafaf, an al-Sistani aide based in London, said on Wednesday.
Al-Khafaf called on Iraqis "to be ready … to march on the city of Najaf under the leadership of al-Sistani to save the city."
Iraq's most senior Shia Muslim figure, Iranian-born al-Sistani has returned from Britain where he had been treated for a heart condition. Al-Khafaf told Aljazeera that the Ayat Allah had overidden doctors' recommendations not to travel.
Initiative welcomed
Aides of al-Sadr, whose al-Mahdi Army militiamen have resisted attempts by US-led forces to expel them from the revered Imam Ali mosque complex, told Aljazeera they welcomed al-Sistani's proposal to lead marchers to Najaf.
Al-Sadr 's supporters have been
besieged for three weeks
"People welcome the return of his eminence Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani and now men, women and children, in groups and individually, are heading to the city of Najaf to lift the siege imposed by the US occupation forces," said Aws al-Khafaji, an al-Sadr's spokesman from the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriya.
Asked about demands by al-Sistani's aides for Mahdi Army fighters to leave the shrine, al-Khafaji blamed besieging US-led forces for preventing a peaceful withdrawl.
"We repeatedly call on a peaceful solution but ... no one can leave the shrine as US snipers have taken up positions on the roofs of the neighboring buildings while the shells are falling here and there," said al-Khafaji.
"It is better that the fighting ceases so all those conducting their sit-in can leave safely".
'Silent' claim rejected
Al-Khafaf rejected charges that the Iranian-born al-Sistani, who has urged his compatriots not to take up arms against occupation forces, had been curiously silent over the situation in Najaf.
"It is absolutely incorrect. Despite his serious illness, his eminence and the team accompanying him were following the situation in Iraq.
"He has not spared any efforts to end the crisis peacefully. He has proceeded with contacts there that were not reported in the media."
Al-Sistani's propposed march is likely to put al-Sadr's movement under further pressure to withdraw from the mosque, whose occupation by al-Mahdi Army militiamen has directly challenged the authority of US-backed interim Prime Minister Iyyad Allawi.
Aljazeera + Agencies
Wednesday 25 August 2004, 16:18 Makka Time, 13:18 GMT
Iraq's most influential Shia cleric, Grand Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani, is in the southern city of Basra and will head to Najaf soon to try to resolve the crisis there, an aide says.
Al-Sistani's return comes as US and Iraqi forces tightened their siege of Najaf's Imam Ali mosque, where supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr are holed up.
"He has entered Iraq through Basra. He will head to Najaf tomorrow," Hamid al-Khafaf, an al-Sistani aide based in London, said on Wednesday.
Al-Khafaf called on Iraqis "to be ready … to march on the city of Najaf under the leadership of al-Sistani to save the city."
Iraq's most senior Shia Muslim figure, Iranian-born al-Sistani has returned from Britain where he had been treated for a heart condition. Al-Khafaf told Aljazeera that the Ayat Allah had overidden doctors' recommendations not to travel.
Initiative welcomed
Aides of al-Sadr, whose al-Mahdi Army militiamen have resisted attempts by US-led forces to expel them from the revered Imam Ali mosque complex, told Aljazeera they welcomed al-Sistani's proposal to lead marchers to Najaf.
Al-Sadr 's supporters have been
besieged for three weeks
"People welcome the return of his eminence Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani and now men, women and children, in groups and individually, are heading to the city of Najaf to lift the siege imposed by the US occupation forces," said Aws al-Khafaji, an al-Sadr's spokesman from the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriya.
Asked about demands by al-Sistani's aides for Mahdi Army fighters to leave the shrine, al-Khafaji blamed besieging US-led forces for preventing a peaceful withdrawl.
"We repeatedly call on a peaceful solution but ... no one can leave the shrine as US snipers have taken up positions on the roofs of the neighboring buildings while the shells are falling here and there," said al-Khafaji.
"It is better that the fighting ceases so all those conducting their sit-in can leave safely".
'Silent' claim rejected
Al-Khafaf rejected charges that the Iranian-born al-Sistani, who has urged his compatriots not to take up arms against occupation forces, had been curiously silent over the situation in Najaf.
"It is absolutely incorrect. Despite his serious illness, his eminence and the team accompanying him were following the situation in Iraq.
"He has not spared any efforts to end the crisis peacefully. He has proceeded with contacts there that were not reported in the media."
Al-Sistani's propposed march is likely to put al-Sadr's movement under further pressure to withdraw from the mosque, whose occupation by al-Mahdi Army militiamen has directly challenged the authority of US-backed interim Prime Minister Iyyad Allawi.
Aljazeera + Agencies
Monday, August 23, 2004
God Almighty Knows Best!
I have found this to be soooo true - especially in the matter of God doing things in His own time and it always being better than what we would try to plan....
A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, God Almighty knows best".
One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off.
Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! God Almighty knows best."
To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.
About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.
When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.
"You were right" the King said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."
"No," his friend replied, "this is good..God Almighty knows best".
"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"
The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."
"He knows what is before them And what is behind them: And to Allah go back All questions (for decision)". (Surah Al Hajj 22:76)
Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome! Almighty, the Most High, is the All-Knowledgable, the All-Knower. He chooses to show us things. But sometimes we are not shown the wisdom behind somethings.
When we are confronted by circumstances that are not very pleasing, we are quick to say: "This is not good...". But, is it really? We might not know the purpose behind it. It might turn to be a good thing, thus when we are faced with any situation do not be too quick to judge.
Always remember, this life is a test: the good and the bad; and there is nothing that happens for no reason. Our brains are just not gifted enough to understand these reasons yet. Sometimes things happen to us for a reason.
A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, God Almighty knows best".
One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off.
Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! God Almighty knows best."
To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.
About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.
When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.
"You were right" the King said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."
"No," his friend replied, "this is good..God Almighty knows best".
"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"
The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."
"He knows what is before them And what is behind them: And to Allah go back All questions (for decision)". (Surah Al Hajj 22:76)
Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome! Almighty, the Most High, is the All-Knowledgable, the All-Knower. He chooses to show us things. But sometimes we are not shown the wisdom behind somethings.
When we are confronted by circumstances that are not very pleasing, we are quick to say: "This is not good...". But, is it really? We might not know the purpose behind it. It might turn to be a good thing, thus when we are faced with any situation do not be too quick to judge.
Always remember, this life is a test: the good and the bad; and there is nothing that happens for no reason. Our brains are just not gifted enough to understand these reasons yet. Sometimes things happen to us for a reason.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Chillin'
I haven't done much of anything yet today. I slept kind of late. It rained again the past few days - I've been enjoying our change in weather this season. Last night mom and I watched Without a Paddle. It's got the guy who played Shaggy in Scooby Doo and the guy who played Dr. Evil's son in Austin Powers and another guy I couldn't figure out where I'd seen him as well as Burt Reynolds. It's about three thirty-somethings who go searching for D.B. Cooper's money. It was cute, novel, and funny. Nothing high class, mind you. We enjoyed it quite a bit.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation yellow bands I ordered came in today - plan to use them for geocaching, mostly - see my links - LAF - for more info.
I think it is so cool that Iraq has made it to the semifinals for soccer!
Well I don't feel like posting or talking about anything serious, I had enough of that the past few days in various yahoo groups, etc.
It is really hard to judge the coming year from the first few days of school. But so far things are fine. My geometry class is huge - 35 - and I have only 32 seats. They're all that big - all the geometry sections. One of them has 38! Crazy. But not much we can do about it. AP Stats has lots of great kids, lots of diversity in terms of math background. IMP I'm going to have to work at trying to get those kids up - many of them need help academically, organizationally, and/or motivationally. Mastery, technically my "lowest" level class, is looking to be pretty nice, as long as the computers work. A few teachers that walked last year and a few new ones already started walking 7th period plan which is nice except I could use the time to work. I've been so busy with lots of work. And fourth period plan I don't get to use my room because they scheduled another class in it. So I've been coming to work an hour early to try to get things done then as I have the motivation of a gnat by the time school ends. I'm not a mid-late afternoon person.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation yellow bands I ordered came in today - plan to use them for geocaching, mostly - see my links - LAF - for more info.
I think it is so cool that Iraq has made it to the semifinals for soccer!
Well I don't feel like posting or talking about anything serious, I had enough of that the past few days in various yahoo groups, etc.
It is really hard to judge the coming year from the first few days of school. But so far things are fine. My geometry class is huge - 35 - and I have only 32 seats. They're all that big - all the geometry sections. One of them has 38! Crazy. But not much we can do about it. AP Stats has lots of great kids, lots of diversity in terms of math background. IMP I'm going to have to work at trying to get those kids up - many of them need help academically, organizationally, and/or motivationally. Mastery, technically my "lowest" level class, is looking to be pretty nice, as long as the computers work. A few teachers that walked last year and a few new ones already started walking 7th period plan which is nice except I could use the time to work. I've been so busy with lots of work. And fourth period plan I don't get to use my room because they scheduled another class in it. So I've been coming to work an hour early to try to get things done then as I have the motivation of a gnat by the time school ends. I'm not a mid-late afternoon person.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Friday
I went to bed really early last night; all the late nights and early mornings wore me out.
The first day of school went nicely. I don't have enough seats for all my geometry kids - I hate when that happens, but there's nothing to be done about it. So then a teacher ends up hoping for a student to drop or move which isn't nice.
Come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses....
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT
IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
The first day of school went nicely. I don't have enough seats for all my geometry kids - I hate when that happens, but there's nothing to be done about it. So then a teacher ends up hoping for a student to drop or move which isn't nice.
Come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses....
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,
PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness
PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another
NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another
TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends
WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT
IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Paul Hamm
I should be asleep for the first day of school tomorrow with students, but I was too drawn in to Paul Hamm's amazing comeback for gold in gymnastics men's all around, the first for an American.
Sistani Sistani and the future of the Hawza
The media continues to speculate wildly on the timing of Grand Ayatollah Ali Taqi Al-Sistani's unexpected departure from Najaf to London for emergency heart treatment. While several of his spokesmen have denied that the medical condition of the 74 year-old cleric is critical, I have personally heard from an informed source who is a close relative of Sistani's agent in Basrah that he has been suffering from ischemic heart disease for some time and that he had recently experienced a myocardial infarction just 2 or 3 weeks before the fighting broke out in Najaf.
He was advised by his family and close supporters to leave Najaf immediately for treatment and rest in London. They had already coordinated with Iraqi, US and British authorities for the preparations. The old man stubbornly refused to leave, mentioning that he had remained in Najaf during even darker days. However, he resigned grudgingly to their suggestions later on. He was practically hauled to London by his son and his senior aides. My source also tells me that the other three senior clerics of the Hawza were also aware of what was to take place in Najaf, and that they had been advised by the governor's office and SCIRI to either leave Najaf for safer ground or lay low. He says that people from Sadr's office grew extremely uncomfortable on hearing this and that they had sent someone to either beg/convince or prevent Sistani from leaving Najaf. They have been claiming that Sistani was forced to leave Najaf by the Iraqi and US authorities ever since.
Sistani refused to take a US helicopter and instead was driven to Baghdad Airport by the Diwaniyah-Hilla-Baghdad road in a closely guarded yet inconspicuous convoy. He arrived in London via Beirut, and there was some footage of his arrival at Heathrow. He was with his son Mohammed Ridha and one of his aides, and they were received by his London agent under the eyes of gawking British security personnel. More footage was released yesterday of an old tired Sistani lying down in a bed at the Cromwell hospital. He is said to have been visited by an Iranian official who offered him Tehran's services, and that he snapped back at him that all he wanted was for Iran to leave him and Iraq alone.
So that settles all the conspiracy theories. Some people have been claiming that Sistani was flown away to London to 'remove' him from the scene in Najaf against his will. They underestimate the power of a supreme Hawza cleric, if Sistani wished, he could quite easily issue a fatwa or a statement from his hospital bed against the US actions. A supreme marji' can't easily be intimidated or silenced. They forget that Sayyid Mohammed Taqi Al-Shirazi issued the fatwa that sparked the massive 1920 uprising against the British while he was on his death bed, and he did indeed die days later but the revolt did not.
Also, the sensational media's talk of a power vacuum, or a struggle in Najaf among the clerics on the event of Sistani's death betrays their ignorance of the traditional Shia leadership hierarchy. Sistani would be succeeded by either Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Ishaq Al-Fayyadh or Grand Ayatollah Bashir Al-Najafi, with the former being the most likely candidate even though they are equals in terms of scholarship and Islamic jurisprudence. Al-Fayyadh is of Afghani origin, while Al-Najafi is Pakistani. Al-Fayyadh was also, together with Sistani, one of Al-Khoei's most favourite students and esteemed aides. Grand Ayatollah Abu Al-Qasim Al-Khoei (who is Sistani's predecessor) even allowed Sistani, Al-Fayyadh, and Mohammed Baqir Al-Sadr to issue fatwas on his behalf at many occasions. His followers are all over the Shi'ite world from Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Furthermore, Grand Ayatollah Al-Fayyadh is known to be the most moderate of Shi'ite marji'iya, even more so than Sistani. He belongs to the traditional old school of the Hawza (that of Abu Al-Hassan Al-Asfahani, Sadiq Al-Shirazi, Al-Barujardi, Hussein Kashif Al-Ghatta', Muhsin Al-Hakim, and Al-Khoei) that calls for a distinct seperation of state and religion and an utter contempt for the notion of Wilayet Al-Faqih (the rule of the jurisprudent) that was preached by Khomeini and taken up by the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
So I wish to comfort the sensational media that there will be no power struggles in the Hawza after Sistani's death. There will always be a peaceful consensus on who would be the supreme marji' in Najaf, as it has always been that way for centuries.
# posted by zeyad : 8/10/2004 07:41:15 PM
Meeting with Ayatullah Al Udhama Syed Ali al Hussaini Al Seestani
The Office Bearers of The World Federation had a second opportunity of meeting Agha on Sunday 15 August 2004 at a London hospital. The President of The World Federation, Dr. Ahmed Hassam conveyed to Agha salaams from the Khoja community worldwide and informed him that our prayers are with him for his speedy recovery. Agha thanked the Office Bearers for visiting him and expressed his satisfaction at the work being done by The World Federation, in serving community and humanity at large.
He asked Dr Hassam, to convey his salaams and duas to mu'mineen and to thank them for their concern for his health. He also asked mu'mineen to continue praying for him and advised us to always remain steadfast on the path of the Ahlulbyat (AS).
The President asked him for his advice to the community on the recent events in Najaf. Agha responded by asking that mu'mineen pray for a quick peaceful resolution of the conflict and once peace returns to Iraq, to assist in the rebuilding of the Hawza Ilmiya and the other infrastructure that have been destroyed over the years. He also advised that mu'mineen not to be involved in any political activities. After the brief meeting which lasted for 25 minutes, he requested us to continue remembering him in our prayers as he does us in his prayers.
Alhamdulillah Agha is in stable condition. Please continue to pray for his quick and full recovery.
He was advised by his family and close supporters to leave Najaf immediately for treatment and rest in London. They had already coordinated with Iraqi, US and British authorities for the preparations. The old man stubbornly refused to leave, mentioning that he had remained in Najaf during even darker days. However, he resigned grudgingly to their suggestions later on. He was practically hauled to London by his son and his senior aides. My source also tells me that the other three senior clerics of the Hawza were also aware of what was to take place in Najaf, and that they had been advised by the governor's office and SCIRI to either leave Najaf for safer ground or lay low. He says that people from Sadr's office grew extremely uncomfortable on hearing this and that they had sent someone to either beg/convince or prevent Sistani from leaving Najaf. They have been claiming that Sistani was forced to leave Najaf by the Iraqi and US authorities ever since.
Sistani refused to take a US helicopter and instead was driven to Baghdad Airport by the Diwaniyah-Hilla-Baghdad road in a closely guarded yet inconspicuous convoy. He arrived in London via Beirut, and there was some footage of his arrival at Heathrow. He was with his son Mohammed Ridha and one of his aides, and they were received by his London agent under the eyes of gawking British security personnel. More footage was released yesterday of an old tired Sistani lying down in a bed at the Cromwell hospital. He is said to have been visited by an Iranian official who offered him Tehran's services, and that he snapped back at him that all he wanted was for Iran to leave him and Iraq alone.
So that settles all the conspiracy theories. Some people have been claiming that Sistani was flown away to London to 'remove' him from the scene in Najaf against his will. They underestimate the power of a supreme Hawza cleric, if Sistani wished, he could quite easily issue a fatwa or a statement from his hospital bed against the US actions. A supreme marji' can't easily be intimidated or silenced. They forget that Sayyid Mohammed Taqi Al-Shirazi issued the fatwa that sparked the massive 1920 uprising against the British while he was on his death bed, and he did indeed die days later but the revolt did not.
Also, the sensational media's talk of a power vacuum, or a struggle in Najaf among the clerics on the event of Sistani's death betrays their ignorance of the traditional Shia leadership hierarchy. Sistani would be succeeded by either Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Ishaq Al-Fayyadh or Grand Ayatollah Bashir Al-Najafi, with the former being the most likely candidate even though they are equals in terms of scholarship and Islamic jurisprudence. Al-Fayyadh is of Afghani origin, while Al-Najafi is Pakistani. Al-Fayyadh was also, together with Sistani, one of Al-Khoei's most favourite students and esteemed aides. Grand Ayatollah Abu Al-Qasim Al-Khoei (who is Sistani's predecessor) even allowed Sistani, Al-Fayyadh, and Mohammed Baqir Al-Sadr to issue fatwas on his behalf at many occasions. His followers are all over the Shi'ite world from Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Furthermore, Grand Ayatollah Al-Fayyadh is known to be the most moderate of Shi'ite marji'iya, even more so than Sistani. He belongs to the traditional old school of the Hawza (that of Abu Al-Hassan Al-Asfahani, Sadiq Al-Shirazi, Al-Barujardi, Hussein Kashif Al-Ghatta', Muhsin Al-Hakim, and Al-Khoei) that calls for a distinct seperation of state and religion and an utter contempt for the notion of Wilayet Al-Faqih (the rule of the jurisprudent) that was preached by Khomeini and taken up by the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
So I wish to comfort the sensational media that there will be no power struggles in the Hawza after Sistani's death. There will always be a peaceful consensus on who would be the supreme marji' in Najaf, as it has always been that way for centuries.
#
Meeting with Ayatullah Al Udhama Syed Ali al Hussaini Al Seestani
The Office Bearers of The World Federation had a second opportunity of meeting Agha on Sunday 15 August 2004 at a London hospital. The President of The World Federation, Dr. Ahmed Hassam conveyed to Agha salaams from the Khoja community worldwide and informed him that our prayers are with him for his speedy recovery. Agha thanked the Office Bearers for visiting him and expressed his satisfaction at the work being done by The World Federation, in serving community and humanity at large.
He asked Dr Hassam, to convey his salaams and duas to mu'mineen and to thank them for their concern for his health. He also asked mu'mineen to continue praying for him and advised us to always remain steadfast on the path of the Ahlulbyat (AS).
The President asked him for his advice to the community on the recent events in Najaf. Agha responded by asking that mu'mineen pray for a quick peaceful resolution of the conflict and once peace returns to Iraq, to assist in the rebuilding of the Hawza Ilmiya and the other infrastructure that have been destroyed over the years. He also advised that mu'mineen not to be involved in any political activities. After the brief meeting which lasted for 25 minutes, he requested us to continue remembering him in our prayers as he does us in his prayers.
Alhamdulillah Agha is in stable condition. Please continue to pray for his quick and full recovery.
Hear, Hear!
ALL TERRORISTS AREN'T MUSLIM
The Record (Bergen County, NJ), 8/18/04
http://www.bergenrecord.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjU3MDc5Mg==
(Scroll down.)
What's newsworthy?
Earlier in the month, Gale Nettles was arrested for plotting to bomb the
Everett McKinley Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Nettles purchased 500
pounds of what he was told was ammonium nitrate fertilizer from an
undercover FBI agent. This is the same material used to build the bomb used
to destroy Oklahoma City's federal building in 1995.
I have been patient and waiting to see if The Record or other mainstream
media will cover this report with the seriousness it deserves. To my
disappointment, The Record has not covered it as yet.
Instead, there have been articles like "Terror probe puts N.J. imam in
spotlight" (Page A-1, Aug. 10) about a man (Muslim, of course) who hasn't
even been charged with anything, just suspected. Why such a long article on
this Muslim man and not even a single line about Gale Nettles, who is
accused of actually plotting to bomb a federal building?
The media that did cover the Nettles story said, "He is not part of any
terrorist group." It seems that today we only reserve the title "terrorist"
for Muslims.
The Record (Bergen County, NJ), 8/18/04
http://www.bergenrecord.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNCZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjU3MDc5Mg==
(Scroll down.)
What's newsworthy?
Earlier in the month, Gale Nettles was arrested for plotting to bomb the
Everett McKinley Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago. Nettles purchased 500
pounds of what he was told was ammonium nitrate fertilizer from an
undercover FBI agent. This is the same material used to build the bomb used
to destroy Oklahoma City's federal building in 1995.
I have been patient and waiting to see if The Record or other mainstream
media will cover this report with the seriousness it deserves. To my
disappointment, The Record has not covered it as yet.
Instead, there have been articles like "Terror probe puts N.J. imam in
spotlight" (Page A-1, Aug. 10) about a man (Muslim, of course) who hasn't
even been charged with anything, just suspected. Why such a long article on
this Muslim man and not even a single line about Gale Nettles, who is
accused of actually plotting to bomb a federal building?
The media that did cover the Nettles story said, "He is not part of any
terrorist group." It seems that today we only reserve the title "terrorist"
for Muslims.
Getting Ready
Well I met one student yesterday. A freshman in my IMP Year 2 class came to freshman orientation and she was delightful. I hope I can keep her interest and excitement. I am feeling a little more prepared for students and so I think after working today insha'allah I'll at least be in a starting place. I have almost no freshmen, two are officially on my roles, and I think that is going to make for a totally different teaching experience. I also am only on one and a half teams whereas last year I had a team meeting every day practically. I am already sensing the trade off; I think I will miss some of the collaboration and interaction with staff and extra pay for all those meetings but I know I could use the time.
I do feel very busy this year. Graduate school is time consuming, teaching is demanding and exhausting, the union wants as much as you can give and then some especially with the election year and a bond on the ballot and an um,er, interesting, school board.
It is my third year in the district and I don't know if I'm imaging things but people seem so friendly this year. I think people are starting to know me and feel comfortable with me and that makes them all smiles and hi how are ya. I'm not complaining, I'm enjoying it. But it does seem to be more prevalent than previous years.
If I had time I could into some detail about the union meeting or on thoughts of politics in Iraq; maybe tonight, insha'allah.
I do feel very busy this year. Graduate school is time consuming, teaching is demanding and exhausting, the union wants as much as you can give and then some especially with the election year and a bond on the ballot and an um,er, interesting, school board.
It is my third year in the district and I don't know if I'm imaging things but people seem so friendly this year. I think people are starting to know me and feel comfortable with me and that makes them all smiles and hi how are ya. I'm not complaining, I'm enjoying it. But it does seem to be more prevalent than previous years.
If I had time I could into some detail about the union meeting or on thoughts of politics in Iraq; maybe tonight, insha'allah.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Morning After
Haha, well on day 2 I did not manage to get up at 4:30, instead it was 5:30. Insha'allah I'll try again tomorrow. But, it took me forever to fall asleep last night even though I was tired as my brain wouldn't shut up. I finished my research outline for graduate school around 9:30 and turned it in. Then, I got caught up in the men's gymnastics finals which went on until about 10:30. I was happy for the U.S. to win silver - only the third time the men have ever medaled, and the first time since 1932 they did so in an unboycotted Olympics. The Japanese won gold, and they truly deserved it, their routines were incredible and the difficulty was far above the other teams.
Why is it that the men gymnasts can wear semi-loose fitting full-length pants but the girls wear those swimming suit leotard things? That annoys me. I am generally annoyed how a lot of sports uniforms are excessively skimpy - oh man did you see the beach volleyball duds? They might as well be naked. Swimming I can understand why they are form fitting, but the swimming uniforms cover more than the gymnastics and volleyball ones! The swimming uniforms go to mid-thigh or are full leg....
Okay I need to get going. I'm hoping to get some time to work on preparing to teach this morning since I'm not expecting many freshmen. I have a CSEA board meeting tonight so I probably won't be home until late.
Have a nice day!
Why is it that the men gymnasts can wear semi-loose fitting full-length pants but the girls wear those swimming suit leotard things? That annoys me. I am generally annoyed how a lot of sports uniforms are excessively skimpy - oh man did you see the beach volleyball duds? They might as well be naked. Swimming I can understand why they are form fitting, but the swimming uniforms cover more than the gymnastics and volleyball ones! The swimming uniforms go to mid-thigh or are full leg....
Okay I need to get going. I'm hoping to get some time to work on preparing to teach this morning since I'm not expecting many freshmen. I have a CSEA board meeting tonight so I probably won't be home until late.
Have a nice day!
Monday, August 16, 2004
First Day Back for Teachers
I got up early and worked out and was at school by about 6:30. The day was full of meetings. They weren't bad meetings, it is just that lots of meetings is never easy, especially when all teachers really want to do is prepare to teach. We had no prep time today, but I managed to sneak a few tasks in at lunch time and at the end of the day. I got two syllabi done. I have so much more to do before kids come on Thursday that it can be overwhelming. Tomorrow morning freshmen are coming for orientation. Most staff will be busy with that, but I have only two freshmen this year! Big change from last year when four out of my five classes were nothing but. I am pleased with my course schedule and anxious to figure out how to start the year. I could've spent all summer preparing and still not be ready. But, alas, I had other things to do. I'm a bit tired now - the first days are such an adjustment.
The month of Rajab is coming tonight, insha'allah; I hope to try to do some of the amaal. I still have some fasts to make up before the month of Ramadan arrives again. While working the fasting can be quite tiring, but it gets easier as time passes.
I need to finish that huge graduate school assignment tonight. Ugh, it will take a long time I think.
Been watching some of the Olympics. I wish they'd show even more different sports. I'd like to watch the shooting, for example. Last time there was a hijabi lady from Iran in the shooting and they made a big deal of it.
Alright I better get back to work!
The month of Rajab is coming tonight, insha'allah; I hope to try to do some of the amaal. I still have some fasts to make up before the month of Ramadan arrives again. While working the fasting can be quite tiring, but it gets easier as time passes.
I need to finish that huge graduate school assignment tonight. Ugh, it will take a long time I think.
Been watching some of the Olympics. I wish they'd show even more different sports. I'd like to watch the shooting, for example. Last time there was a hijabi lady from Iran in the shooting and they made a big deal of it.
Alright I better get back to work!
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Working
All work and no play makes Jane a dull girl, but all play and no work gets Jane in trouble!
Today I am working all day on a research outline for graduate school. If I have time, my family is complaining about my weeds so I may try to work on that and other chores.
The outline is a detailed thing - I have to look up all this data and research, etc., and present in a just-so format. That's why it is taking so long.
Tomorrow is the first day back for teachers. I am hoping to start off with a bang and energy and motivation and success, insha'allah. Hoping to get up early and keep charging through the days doing all I have to do. Until reality catches up at least!
Today I am working all day on a research outline for graduate school. If I have time, my family is complaining about my weeds so I may try to work on that and other chores.
The outline is a detailed thing - I have to look up all this data and research, etc., and present in a just-so format. That's why it is taking so long.
Tomorrow is the first day back for teachers. I am hoping to start off with a bang and energy and motivation and success, insha'allah. Hoping to get up early and keep charging through the days doing all I have to do. Until reality catches up at least!
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Caching Day
Did not do work today. There is a lot I could be doing to prepare for school and assignments I could be working on for graduate school, etc. But, I am opting to take my fleeting opportunities to play before having a much more full and rigid schedule. I had a multicache this morning called Pole Position. You can look it up once it is approved, insha'allah. It is the most physically challenging one I've hidden yet in that the travel distance to the cache from the trailhead is farther than most. Then Laura, her husband Byron and I found two caches near her home. Picked up some groceries, and now maybe will read - I am almost finished with Bourne Ultimatum - well I'm getting closer anyway, it is pretty long. Or I could watch Netflix - I have Ned Kelly and Cold Mountain right now. Saw Collateral last night with mom - I'd suggest to probably skip it. Jamie Foxx did well in a drama roll, Tom Cruise acted well, but they couldn't make up for the film itself.
Just noticing how I like to leave out I and some other pronouns at the beginning of sentences. Seems unnecessary - redundant. (Ha ha, that last sentence was redundant....)
Just noticing how I like to leave out I and some other pronouns at the beginning of sentences. Seems unnecessary - redundant. (Ha ha, that last sentence was redundant....)
How you like them apples?
Penrose is having an early and abundant crop; if you live around here you might want to stop down and get some. I probably won't, but when I have I thought it was cool. Or, you could just stop at one of the many roadside stands I am sure will be cropping up....
Friday, August 13, 2004
Weather
I think the title is wrong - it should say that variations in weather are normal. So having one year with twice as much rain is not abnormal, although taken alone, the wet weather we've had this season is not the norm (i.e., not the average/typical summer weather).
Summer's wet weather actually the norm
By ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE
The pendulum swung.
That's the simple explanation for this summer's wet and wild weather.
Erratic weather is actually the norm for El Paso County.
"It's not uncommon to have weather extremes," said Stephen Hodanish, senior meteorologist at National Weather Service in Pueblo.
"We were on a drought. Now the pendulum is swinging on the other side."
Precipitation at Colorado Springs Airport since June 1 measured 12.16 inches; 6.63 is normal, based on averages from the last 30 years.
The drama in the sky was marked by a changing marquee of clouds with formations from breathtakingly beautiful to run-for-cover scary.
Hodanish said his office issued more severe storm warnings this summer than in recent years. He noted an increase in tornadoes as well.
"For all of southeast Colorado we typically have 10 or 11 per year," he said. At least twice that many were spotted this summer.
Hail the size of peas to baseballs put dents in cars and damaged roofs.
"We are back to a somewhat more usual pattern in terms of hail damage," said John Henry, USAA corporate communications executive director.
"For a couple years previous it has been at a reduced level."
What's next?
"Meteorologically, the drought appears to be waning, but the reservoirs are way below normal," Hodanish said. "We had a rainy summer. We need a snowy winter."
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or abrown@gazette.com
Summer's wet weather actually the norm
By ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE
The pendulum swung.
That's the simple explanation for this summer's wet and wild weather.
Erratic weather is actually the norm for El Paso County.
"It's not uncommon to have weather extremes," said Stephen Hodanish, senior meteorologist at National Weather Service in Pueblo.
"We were on a drought. Now the pendulum is swinging on the other side."
Precipitation at Colorado Springs Airport since June 1 measured 12.16 inches; 6.63 is normal, based on averages from the last 30 years.
The drama in the sky was marked by a changing marquee of clouds with formations from breathtakingly beautiful to run-for-cover scary.
Hodanish said his office issued more severe storm warnings this summer than in recent years. He noted an increase in tornadoes as well.
"For all of southeast Colorado we typically have 10 or 11 per year," he said. At least twice that many were spotted this summer.
Hail the size of peas to baseballs put dents in cars and damaged roofs.
"We are back to a somewhat more usual pattern in terms of hail damage," said John Henry, USAA corporate communications executive director.
"For a couple years previous it has been at a reduced level."
What's next?
"Meteorologically, the drought appears to be waning, but the reservoirs are way below normal," Hodanish said. "We had a rainy summer. We need a snowy winter."
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or abrown@gazette.com
Olympics
Well, they are here. Their history is racy to say the least. (Get the pun?????)
The original ancient Olympic games were a five day religious ritual in honor of Zeus. One hundred oxen were killed to begin the festival. The first games were in 776 B.C. and only included a foot race. All the games were held totally in the nude and it attracted more people to a single place than any other known ancient event. There were elaborate pre-game rituals in which the athletes bathed, oiled themselves and perfumed and sprinkled themselves with yellow dust. After competing or practicing, they scraped up the yellow dust and sweat mix and collected it. It was sold as a highly prized treatment for skin maladies/arthritis, etc. Women did not participate and were not allowed to be present as their presence was felt to defile the religious sanctity/purity of the occasion. However, there is evidence that women were allowed to come occasionally during another time of the year for their own abbreviated competitions. At the games, there were only a few sports - boxing, equestrian, pankration (a more brutal form of boxing/wrestling - regarded as the premiere event at the Olympics), pentathlon, running and wrestling. The Olympics were held every four years for eight hundred years until outlawed as a pagan ritual by Christians shortly after the time of Christ.
The original ancient Olympic games were a five day religious ritual in honor of Zeus. One hundred oxen were killed to begin the festival. The first games were in 776 B.C. and only included a foot race. All the games were held totally in the nude and it attracted more people to a single place than any other known ancient event. There were elaborate pre-game rituals in which the athletes bathed, oiled themselves and perfumed and sprinkled themselves with yellow dust. After competing or practicing, they scraped up the yellow dust and sweat mix and collected it. It was sold as a highly prized treatment for skin maladies/arthritis, etc. Women did not participate and were not allowed to be present as their presence was felt to defile the religious sanctity/purity of the occasion. However, there is evidence that women were allowed to come occasionally during another time of the year for their own abbreviated competitions. At the games, there were only a few sports - boxing, equestrian, pankration (a more brutal form of boxing/wrestling - regarded as the premiere event at the Olympics), pentathlon, running and wrestling. The Olympics were held every four years for eight hundred years until outlawed as a pagan ritual by Christians shortly after the time of Christ.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Culebra Peak
Will new owners open access to Culebra Peak?
Climbers await news on fourteener's status after sale
By DAVE PHILIPPS THE GAZETTE
Climbers trying to bag all of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks often settle for what they call A.B.C.
All but Culebra.
The pyramid-shaped summit of Culebra Peak is off limits. It lies on the private 77,000-acre Taylor Ranch in the Sangre de Cristo mountains just north of the New Mexico border, and only a few lucky hikers a year are allowed by the owner to set foot on its summit.
But the peak may open now that the ranch has new owners - and hundreds of dedicated climbers await the news.
"We're holding our breath," said Kristy Judd, executive director of the Colorado Mountain Club. "They may decide to keep it closed. They may open it. They may build Elitch's up there. We just don't know."
The new owners, Bobby and Dottie Hill and Richard and Kelly Welch of Texas, finalized purchase of the ranch last Thursday aug5 for an undisclosed sum.
They have yet to announce whether they will open up the trail to the summit, or keep it locked tight.
"It's just too early to tell," Bobby Hill said Wednesday. "We want to take our time and learn about the place and the issues before we go off and make a decision."
Every other 14,000-foot peak in the United States lies on public land where anyone can climb it them.
For much of the 1990s, Culebra Peak could be climbed for a price. Owner Jack Taylor charged hikers a $20 to $40 entrance fee.
Former Enron executive Lou Pai bought the ranch from Taylor in 1999 and let only a small number of Colorado Mountain Club members climb the peak one weekend a year.
The club added its own restrictions: Only members who had already climbed the 53 other fourteeners in the state could enter their names in a lottery for a chance at the last peak.
Half a million people climb Colorado fourteeners each year, according to the Colorado Fourteener Initiative, a group that builds sustainable trails on the peaks. Only about 60 get a chance to climb Culebra. A climber's name can take years to come up on the estimated 400-person waiting list.
Many mountaineers these days say "the heck with it" and embrace the considerable accomplishment of A.B.C.
"I've never been up there," said T. J. Rapoport, the Initiative's director. "I'm anxious to see it. It's supposed to be very pristine, very untrammeled."
So is the majority of the above-treeline crowd, which is buzzing over whether A.B.C. will finally R.I.P.
"The owners will have a real opportunity to build a sustainable trail that will preserve the alpine ecosystem," he said.
Mountaineers are only one group curious about the new owners.
For generations, people in the town of San Luis at the foot of the mountain have feuded with owners over their traditional rights to hunt, graze, and gather firewood.
In 1975 someone shot owner Jack Taylor in the ankle for closing the ranch to outsiders. Later, someone burned down his ranch house. Protesters have chained themselves to the ranch gates to protest logging on the property during the 1990s.
Owners, in turn, have aggressively prosecuted trespassers.
"You'd have to be an idiot not to know that this ranch has had its problems. I knew that. But we want to make a clean start," said Hill. "We plan to respect the people here, and we hope they will respect us."
To start from a clean slate, Hill has renamed the ranch Cielo Vista, or heavenly view.
He said he is interested in finding recreation-focused ways to make the ranch ecologically and economically sustainable. Allowing climbers onto the property could be part of that, he said, but he did not want to commit to specifics.
He plans to meet with locals in San Luis to start hashing out the public's place on Cielo Vista next Friday aug 20 but said it would take several months before things get settled.
Locals are cautiously optimistic.
"We view this as a new opportunity to have a good relationship," said Charlie Jaquez, a founding member of the Land Rights Council, a group based in neighboring San Luis that recently won a 44-year legal battle with various owners of the ranch to get them to respect historic land-use rights. "I think that's a really good sign. I hope they do open it up. It's a gorgeous place. The community has a real spiritual connection to that mountain. They want to befriend it again."
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0223 or dphilipps@gazette.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
I've been remiss
to not mention that Mark Cloer won his primary against Steve Schuck's one-issue candidate. I am not sure if I'm registered as independent, democrat, or libertarian. I am tempted to register Republican to promote moderate candidates in that party as opposed to many of the right-wingers that seem to dominate Colorado politics. Disappointed, I am, that Doug Bruce moves on.
Anyone know anything about human pheremones? I remember reading about them but I don't recall if the research pans out that they actually do anything. I have a possible alternative to pheremones that has taught me to be VERY careful who I mention the D word to. I wish the process would hurry up, btw; I am anxious for it to be concluded. Mentally, I practically feel as if it is already done and I need reality to catch up with my brain.
Some of you may have no idea what that last paragraph was talking about, my apologies after the fact. :)
Happy vibes to Sister Scorpion whose DH has returned from Iraq!!!! and ditto to Sister Soljah for a birthday!
Anyone know anything about human pheremones? I remember reading about them but I don't recall if the research pans out that they actually do anything. I have a possible alternative to pheremones that has taught me to be VERY careful who I mention the D word to. I wish the process would hurry up, btw; I am anxious for it to be concluded. Mentally, I practically feel as if it is already done and I need reality to catch up with my brain.
Some of you may have no idea what that last paragraph was talking about, my apologies after the fact. :)
Happy vibes to Sister Scorpion whose DH has returned from Iraq!!!! and ditto to Sister Soljah for a birthday!
NTO
Today I was at New Teacher Orientation starting at 7:30. I helped people sign in and get the paperwork they needed. Then, I helped people turn in their CSEA membership cards and get their free gift for doing so. I met the teacher who is hired for my department - Coronado math. He is a mechanical engineer from South America. He seems to be very open minded, thoughtful, and a team player so I think although he may have some adjustment to working with American teenagers that he will be just fine and maybe even quite an asset, insha'allah. Our New Teacher Orientation is always held at Flying W Ranch. For those of you who don't know this area, that is a chuckwagon place. It was really cold today, actually, for a place like that, which was nice as a change. After NTO, the board of directors met again on contract issues. Then, I could've gone to school but I hadn't prepared to do that by bringing keys and supplies so I went home, still with the idea of easing into this early rise teacher schedule thing.
I think tomorrow I might get up early again and go into school before I go teach SAT, but we'll see.
There is a rumor that one of our school board members is resigning tonight; that could be some promising news, insha'allah, but it could also be someone we'd rather keep, or it could be just a rumor.
I sent away for transcripts I need to apply for lane change on the salary schedule. I'm in the bachelors lane but this year, insha'allah, I'll be able to move to +16 for all the additional college credits I've done. I'm not applying my master's credits now, insha'allah next summer I'll get to move over again for finishing it.
DAV came today to pick up clothes - Laura brought a few bags down and I had about a dozen bags in my shed that I'd been gradually collecting. I think I may donate my older car to Goodwill or the like, as well, as it is just sitting there. Unless any of you wants to buy it - let me know. It runs if I charge the battery, and has very low miles. :)
Read through parts of Logic for Islamic Rules by Ayats. Shirazi and Subhani today. Overall, I am a bit disappointed. Or maybe more than a bit. The answers are too pat, and some of them I just totally can't buy into. Like illegitimate children are withheld from certain posts because they are more inclined toward immorality than legitimate children because of their parents....sounds like a variation on original sin to me. And saying women can't marry outside the faith because they are likely to be led astray by their non-Muslim spouses -- we all know that the reverse is also true - when men marry out they face similar challenges, but the answers indicate that they do not or that those challenges are irrelevant for men but not for women. Maybe my expectations are too high or something is lost in translation. But I am having a problem for a few years now in which I am just not overly impressed with our knowledgeable scholars. I mean no disrespect, but I am left wanting.
I think tomorrow I might get up early again and go into school before I go teach SAT, but we'll see.
There is a rumor that one of our school board members is resigning tonight; that could be some promising news, insha'allah, but it could also be someone we'd rather keep, or it could be just a rumor.
I sent away for transcripts I need to apply for lane change on the salary schedule. I'm in the bachelors lane but this year, insha'allah, I'll be able to move to +16 for all the additional college credits I've done. I'm not applying my master's credits now, insha'allah next summer I'll get to move over again for finishing it.
DAV came today to pick up clothes - Laura brought a few bags down and I had about a dozen bags in my shed that I'd been gradually collecting. I think I may donate my older car to Goodwill or the like, as well, as it is just sitting there. Unless any of you wants to buy it - let me know. It runs if I charge the battery, and has very low miles. :)
Read through parts of Logic for Islamic Rules by Ayats. Shirazi and Subhani today. Overall, I am a bit disappointed. Or maybe more than a bit. The answers are too pat, and some of them I just totally can't buy into. Like illegitimate children are withheld from certain posts because they are more inclined toward immorality than legitimate children because of their parents....sounds like a variation on original sin to me. And saying women can't marry outside the faith because they are likely to be led astray by their non-Muslim spouses -- we all know that the reverse is also true - when men marry out they face similar challenges, but the answers indicate that they do not or that those challenges are irrelevant for men but not for women. Maybe my expectations are too high or something is lost in translation. But I am having a problem for a few years now in which I am just not overly impressed with our knowledgeable scholars. I mean no disrespect, but I am left wanting.
I don't have something exciting to say
Taught SAT again yesterday - kid is still great, makes it not so boring work. Also saw Harold & Kumar go to Whitecastle with Laura. It was funny, definitely rated R. The next "pot" movie. Never tried the stuff, so maybe I can't fully relate. What was the name of the one with Dave Chappelle in it? I don't think I've seen it but my students talk about it.
Monday, August 09, 2004
AR Training
Most of the day today was spent at AR (Association Representative) Training. Basically we went over the structure of our association, how much money is involved, kinds of dues, how it is managed, responsibilities of AR's, master agreement training, etc. It was worthwhile. I find more and more I am really enjoying the association and finding it a worthwhile organization. I am able to learn and grow and participate in a way that makes a difference in my profession.
Then, I worked on some graduate school stuff. I have to begin preparing my plan for an action research project for the coming year. The action research is the saving grace of my master's program to me because it is right up my alley of scientific training - I find preparing research and studying research methods and conducting research to be a bit exciting, especially compared to other types of education courses that are all discussion and paper writing about education issues, etc. Those are fine, I can learn something there, but the research is applied and usable directly by me. And could involve math! :)
I was pretty tired after AR training - didn't sleep much last night for some reason and not used to the old early morning teacher schedule yet. I haven't been sleeping in this summer much because I've been doing quite a lot of things - but there is a significant difference in my body between getting up at 8 and taking my time and getting up and 5 or 6 and rushing out the door.
Then, I worked on some graduate school stuff. I have to begin preparing my plan for an action research project for the coming year. The action research is the saving grace of my master's program to me because it is right up my alley of scientific training - I find preparing research and studying research methods and conducting research to be a bit exciting, especially compared to other types of education courses that are all discussion and paper writing about education issues, etc. Those are fine, I can learn something there, but the research is applied and usable directly by me. And could involve math! :)
I was pretty tired after AR training - didn't sleep much last night for some reason and not used to the old early morning teacher schedule yet. I haven't been sleeping in this summer much because I've been doing quite a lot of things - but there is a significant difference in my body between getting up at 8 and taking my time and getting up and 5 or 6 and rushing out the door.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Weekend Update (Still not with Dennis Miller)
Friday night I saw The Village with my mom, sister-in-law and nieces/nephew. It wasn't scary, it was actually kind of funny. I liked Joaquin Phoenix's character; William Hurt's character is a total jerk though you don't know it right away, Sigourney Weaver acted like wood. A girl I can't remember her name played the blind character and her character was good. Implausible, but I expected it to be so. Silly cameo of M. Night Shyamalan also.
Saturday morning I spent distributing literature for Mark Cloer as a union volunteer thing. The union is supporting him because he stood up to the manhandling of Gov. Owens and voted against vouchers. I walked last year for the board elections alone as a volunteer also and that was a bit scary sometimes walking alone in a strange neighborhood. Yesterday I had people with me most of the time and it was better, but a few times we split up and it can make you a little nervous. But overall it was fun. Then I bought an ammo box to hide a cache in and went up to Chapel Hills for an optometrist appointment and to buy work shoes. Ordered new glasses - how expensive, what a big wallet-dent that is.
Sunday (today) walked with mom in the a.m., met a principal for lunch - there's a story to that I'll keep to myself for now at least, then met with Laura to hide the cache - we hid it in Metcalfe Park in Fountain under her account name - she's just getting started in geocaching. :) Hung out a bit, came home, and now I have to do some work for grad school. Laura gave me some clothes and shoes I can wear - cool.
Monday I'm doing union training most of the day and grad. school work.
Best wishes to everyone, thanks for stopping by and happy Monday.
Saturday morning I spent distributing literature for Mark Cloer as a union volunteer thing. The union is supporting him because he stood up to the manhandling of Gov. Owens and voted against vouchers. I walked last year for the board elections alone as a volunteer also and that was a bit scary sometimes walking alone in a strange neighborhood. Yesterday I had people with me most of the time and it was better, but a few times we split up and it can make you a little nervous. But overall it was fun. Then I bought an ammo box to hide a cache in and went up to Chapel Hills for an optometrist appointment and to buy work shoes. Ordered new glasses - how expensive, what a big wallet-dent that is.
Sunday (today) walked with mom in the a.m., met a principal for lunch - there's a story to that I'll keep to myself for now at least, then met with Laura to hide the cache - we hid it in Metcalfe Park in Fountain under her account name - she's just getting started in geocaching. :) Hung out a bit, came home, and now I have to do some work for grad school. Laura gave me some clothes and shoes I can wear - cool.
Monday I'm doing union training most of the day and grad. school work.
Best wishes to everyone, thanks for stopping by and happy Monday.
Friday, August 06, 2004
GREEN
I just drove around in the country east/south of town a bit - I can't remember the last time everything was so green, thanks to all the rain! Allahu Akbar. :)
loose ends
Well I haven't left the house yet today; opted out of making money today by showing up for a curriculum meeting. But I do feel, alhumdooleluh, I've gotten a few things accomplished. Essentially finished with the editing project I've been working on. Essentially finished with some transcript orders I had to do. Made eye dr. and regular dr. appointments, the latter being quite overdue (like a few years). Regular doc is booked into October but I liked her enough the first I saw her that I think I can wait. It is hard to find a doctor you like, especially when insurance keeps changing every year because your employer keeps switching companies because the rates are skyrocketing. Took care of bills. I feel good when I pay bills and still have $100 for the month - but then if something unexpected comes up I hate that, especially if it's more than $100! Bills are among my least favorite must-do tasks. Cleaned the bird cages, at least sort of. Started the next graduate course.
Tomorrow I'm insha'allah walking for Mark Cloer's campaign, going to the eye dr. and dropping a travel bug off in a cache somewhere - at least that's the plan(s).
If you haven't noticed, I'm a to do list maker. Some of blog entries are little more than paragraphed lists.:) So entertaining, I'm sure.
Well, I may be seeing The Village tonight. We have the young ones with us, and there's a concern it might scare them, so we'll see.
Take care!
Tomorrow I'm insha'allah walking for Mark Cloer's campaign, going to the eye dr. and dropping a travel bug off in a cache somewhere - at least that's the plan(s).
If you haven't noticed, I'm a to do list maker. Some of blog entries are little more than paragraphed lists.:) So entertaining, I'm sure.
Well, I may be seeing The Village tonight. We have the young ones with us, and there's a concern it might scare them, so we'll see.
Take care!
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Can you find a 3 or greater?
The Oracle
Did you ever see the movie 6 Degrees of Separation (Will Smith)? This is a program that tells you the degrees of separation between any two (famous) people. I've only played with it for a little while, but so far haven't gotten more than two degrees between people I've tried. Can you?
Did you ever see the movie 6 Degrees of Separation (Will Smith)? This is a program that tells you the degrees of separation between any two (famous) people. I've only played with it for a little while, but so far haven't gotten more than two degrees between people I've tried. Can you?
New Year's Resolutions
As a teacher, the beginning of a new school year seems a much more logical time for resolutions than in January, right in the middle of things. Even as a student I felt that way. It seems so natural when starting all over to think about how do I want to do it differently?
Every year I've been thinking the same things - more prayer and Islamic reading, more exercise, more organized and focused. I just don't find the energy to keep it up, I need that extra sleep instead of getting up and doing all that good stuff, so I must be unrealistic or need a change of diet or something.
So I'd like to hear about what you'd like to resolve, or what you have resolved that actually worked! Thanks. :)
Every year I've been thinking the same things - more prayer and Islamic reading, more exercise, more organized and focused. I just don't find the energy to keep it up, I need that extra sleep instead of getting up and doing all that good stuff, so I must be unrealistic or need a change of diet or something.
So I'd like to hear about what you'd like to resolve, or what you have resolved that actually worked! Thanks. :)
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Excitement and the Urgency of Lost Free Time
Today I had my first SAT prep class of the season. I have just one student right now. What a delightful young man, masha'allah. He is a junior, visiting his dad for the summer from Virginia. He is taking the course in speed mode and so boy does he have to work hard, as it is already an intensive course. But he took it all with such good humor despite feeling overwhelmed.
I feel the beginning of excitement in me for the coming school year - the potential and possibilities of a new year always excite me. In my AP Stats class I get back some students I've had in previous years that I really liked, plus some new ones I know will be just great. I'm excited about that class, and also nervous because I sort of have to prove myself by getting goodresults in terms of scores, etc., with my first AP class.
At the same time I feel the urgency of the end of summer and lost opportunities to be lazy, get projects done, have a less rigorous and exhausting schedule, etc. My response to this sense of urgency? Stubborness to avoid doing things I know need to be done! Dishes, laundry, unpacking (yes, I still haven't finished it), bills, order transcripts, finish text edits, finish website writes, audiotext project, etc. I suppose when it really NEEDS to be done I'll probably do it. When I'm just sitting around I feel bored but I don't want to do anything either.
My schedule it getting fuller. SAT class Wed. and Thurs. Friday I am invited to go get paid for some curriculum planning. That would be good to do, if I can get myself up to it. Saturday I have to walk for Mark Cloer - anti-public education foes are running against him with big dollars just like in our school board race. If anyone wants to join me, it can be pretty fun and takes usually a few hours. Sunday I am supposed to meet a retired principal from Denver Public Schools for lunch - a great guy I met in IMP (math) training. AR (union reps) training on Monday, SAT Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, New Teacher Orientation Wednesday. So far that next weekend is clear, then Monday the 16th back to school for real, students coming on the 19th.
I feel the beginning of excitement in me for the coming school year - the potential and possibilities of a new year always excite me. In my AP Stats class I get back some students I've had in previous years that I really liked, plus some new ones I know will be just great. I'm excited about that class, and also nervous because I sort of have to prove myself by getting goodresults in terms of scores, etc., with my first AP class.
At the same time I feel the urgency of the end of summer and lost opportunities to be lazy, get projects done, have a less rigorous and exhausting schedule, etc. My response to this sense of urgency? Stubborness to avoid doing things I know need to be done! Dishes, laundry, unpacking (yes, I still haven't finished it), bills, order transcripts, finish text edits, finish website writes, audiotext project, etc. I suppose when it really NEEDS to be done I'll probably do it. When I'm just sitting around I feel bored but I don't want to do anything either.
My schedule it getting fuller. SAT class Wed. and Thurs. Friday I am invited to go get paid for some curriculum planning. That would be good to do, if I can get myself up to it. Saturday I have to walk for Mark Cloer - anti-public education foes are running against him with big dollars just like in our school board race. If anyone wants to join me, it can be pretty fun and takes usually a few hours. Sunday I am supposed to meet a retired principal from Denver Public Schools for lunch - a great guy I met in IMP (math) training. AR (union reps) training on Monday, SAT Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, New Teacher Orientation Wednesday. So far that next weekend is clear, then Monday the 16th back to school for real, students coming on the 19th.
CSAP
Ah, the all-important CSAP scores were released to the public yesterday. Our math scores went up a few points. I'd be thrilled if I actually believed the rise was statistically significant or indicated anything important. Our biggest rise was in tenth grade math, but I know that is because the previous year an English teacher proctoring the test didn't pay attention and let a few kids use a calculator during the wrong part of the test - thus invalidating the math tests for that entire classroom of about 30 students and hurting our score as a result. This year, that didn't happen so naturally the scores go up. The tenth grade test material is largely 11th grade material; only the advanced students will have seen a fair amount of it before. We try to get our kids to that level, but to get them all there just isn't happen at this point in time. I am sure we still did not meet AYP - annual yearly progress - as mandated by George W. Bush but not funded in No Child Left Behind. According to AYP, by 2012 every student, every special education student, every hispanic student, every caucasian student, every ESL student - all students - must be able to ace these tests. We don't meet AYP primarily because of our special education students - the assessments are simply beyond what some of them are gifted by God with capability of doing, at least to the best of our understanding at this point and time - trigonometry and what not for students who are doing great to be able to count change, ride a bus, read at a first grade level - but we have to do our best to make AYP.
One real problem we do face is that across the country there are racial gaps in virtually all assessments. Brown v. Board of Topeka was intended to fix that 50 years ago by desegregation. Obviously, that measure is not enough. As teachers, we are generally puzzled about what the next step is.
I'm off to teach an SAT prep class Day 1 in a little bit - that should keep me busy for the next few weeks with lots of other stuff I have to do to.
I was lazy yesterday and didn't get some work done as I could have. I finished reading an autobiography of a Zuni man and I watched Mystic River - both interesting.
One real problem we do face is that across the country there are racial gaps in virtually all assessments. Brown v. Board of Topeka was intended to fix that 50 years ago by desegregation. Obviously, that measure is not enough. As teachers, we are generally puzzled about what the next step is.
I'm off to teach an SAT prep class Day 1 in a little bit - that should keep me busy for the next few weeks with lots of other stuff I have to do to.
I was lazy yesterday and didn't get some work done as I could have. I finished reading an autobiography of a Zuni man and I watched Mystic River - both interesting.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
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